3D Printed Specimens' Elasticity for Cerebral Aneurysm Mock-Ups: A Characterization of the Instrumentation Uncertainty

In neurosurgery, particularly in the context of intracranial aneurysms, 3D printing is emerging as a pivotal technology. This technique offers a significant advantage in complex surgical contexts where intricate anatomical structures necessitate meticulous management. By utilizing customized 3D mock-ups for each patient, surgeons can enhance pre-operative planning and simulate surgery with greater precision. This approach substantially mitigates the risks associated with the procedure, enhancing the safety and efficacy of the operation. A simulation model must accurately reproduce the interactions between instruments and tissues during a surgical procedure. In this context, it is crucial that the mechanical properties of these mock-ups are consistent with those of native tissues. One of the key properties to ensure a realistic tactile response is the elasticity of the vascular tissue. The present study concentrated on the evaluation of the uncertainty associated with the instrumentation and procedure employed to determine the elasticity of 3D-printed specimens. This evaluation performed for tests conducted on samples of parallelepiped shape fabricated by stereolithography with the Formlabs Elastic 50A photopolymer. The uncertainty analysis allowed us to determine that the value of the instrumentation uncertainty is negligible (<0.5%) compared to the order of magnitude of the Young's modulus, confirming the quality of the experimental system employed.